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BAHAMAS: Minister Dames Gives Insight into the Proceeds of Crime Bill

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#Bahamas, March 5, 2018 – Nassau – While giving his Communication during the debate on the Financial Transactions Reporting Bill 2018 and the Proceeds of Crime Bill, 2018, Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames presented to the House of Assembly an in-depth look into the latter.

“The Proceeds of Crime Bill is for an Act to Consolidate and Strengthen Measures to Recover the Proceeds and Instrumentalities of Crime and to Combat Identified Risks,” Minister Dames pointed out, on March 1, 2018.  “Although this Bill is considered one of those Bills that fall under the compendium of financial Bills, this Bill is a cross between the compendium of financial legislation and the compendium of crime legislation being proposed by this working government, ‘The People’s Government’.”

Minister Dames noted that the Bill seeks to expose “all of those persons, organizations and companies involved in criminal activity and seek to support, cover-up and conspire with others to conceal their ill-gotten gains, by whatever means necessary”.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a study conducted in 2009 to determine the magnitude of illicit funds found that criminal proceeds being laundered amounted to US$1.6 trillion dollars, he said.

“The nuts and bolts of these far reaching and significant Bills is to launch an effective assault against the criminal networks operating throughout the country,” Minister Dames stated.  “No matter where they may be operating, in communities, in the financial sector, across jurisdictions or on the deep web – it does not matter.”

“Where the Tracing and Forfeiture of Proceeds and Drug Trafficking Act 1986 did not go far enough, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2000 made some inroads; and what those Acts were not successful in accomplishing, this Bill will achieve and put our nation on par with global financial and anti-corruption standards,” he added.

Minister Dames noted that the Proceeds of Crime Bill 2018 has broadened the scope for fighting crime by encompassing the Tracing & Forfeiture of Proceeds & Drug Trafficking Act (1986) and Proceeds of Crime Act (2000).  He added that the consolidation of those three Bills rolled into one meant a greater depth and larger net to haul criminal activity.

“For instance, both the Tracing & Forfeiture of Proceeds & Drug Trafficking Act (1986) and the Proceeds of Crime Act (2000) a subsidiary legislation, were created to exclusively handle all crimes dealing with the proceeds of drug trafficking alone,” Minister Dames pointed out.  “This Bill, on the other hand, is more substantial making provision to cover all identified risks — money laundering; terrorism financing; terrorism; corruption, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, human trafficking, virtual currencies – digital representation of value which can be digitally traded – and other factors that the Minister, by regulations, may recommend.”

Further, he said, the Proceeds of Crime Bill, 2018, strengthens the previous legal framework through the establishment of a Ministerial Council and combats identified risks mentioned previously, by stiffening penalties and introducing sanctions to hinder corruption.

“The Ministerial Council will have the responsibility of assessments as it relates to the effective implementation of the Identified Risk Framework — or IRF — to eliminate identified risks.,” he said.  “The Ministerial Council will be composed of the following:  the Attorney General; Minister of Finance; Minister of Financial Services; Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of National Security, and a National Identified Risk Framework Coordinator nominated by the Attorney General.”

Regarding penalties and sanctions, Minister Dames pointed out, the Bill sets out a fine not exceeding $500,000 and imprisonment of not more than seven years on a summary conviction for money laundering, failure to make the required disclosures and tipping off.

“The previous Act stipulated a fine of $100,000 or five years,” he noted.

By: Eric Rose (BIS)

Photo Caption: Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames gives his Communication in the House of Assembly, during the debate on the Financial Transactions Reporting Bill 2018 and the Proceeds of Crime Bill, 2018, on March 1, 2018. (BIS Photo/Eric Rose)

 

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Monument Beverage Co. Caribbean Wines & Spirits Uniquely Bahamian Newest Product

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor is proud to announce the launch of Monument Beverage Co., its newest 100% locally produced ready-to-drink alcoholic cocktail.

Monument, “Made to Celebrate”, perfectly encapsulates everything the brand represents. Created and distributed by CWS, Monument is inspired by culture, crafted with excellence and bursting with innovation.

This unique beverage celebrates island living with three bold flavors, Ginger Lime, Peach Passion and Melon Fizz. All of which can be enjoyed at an ABV of five-point-two percent.

The brand’s creativity really shines through each can’s packaging. Bold colored stripes, cherished native flora and fauna and of course, national monuments can all be found on each can.

The beverage’s two year plus development is a testament to CWS’ dedication to quality and innovation. Countless hours of tastings, reformulations, focus groups and package design reviews all paid off with the creation of Monument.

Karla Wells-Lisgaris, Chief Commercial Officer of Caribbean Wines & Spirits and Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, shared what this authentically Bahamian made product launch means for the company.

“When we were conceptualizing Monument, we wanted to create a product that not only tasted like The Bahamas but would be an ode to the nation as well. With those two thoughts in mind, I, along with a team of experts, created three incredible flavors we believe really connect with and celebrate the essence of island living,” she said.

“Additionally, being that Monument is the first product to be 100% manufactured by Caribbean Wines & Spirits, we really wanted to ensure that both the flavors and packaging honored our rich heritage. On each of the cans, you can find various monuments such as the Nassau Public Library in New Providence, the Garden of the Grove in Grand Bahama and the Hatchet Bay Silos in Eleuthera; all of which pay homage to our diverse Bahamian heritage.” Wells-Lisgaris concluded.”

The historic monuments found throughout our islands are more than places we pass every day; they are reminders of who we are, where we’ve come from and the stories that connect us as Bahamians.

Monument is perfectly formulated with quality ingredients, and each can celebrates a collection of these cultural icons from across The Bahamas.

Whether chilling solo beachside, gathered around a family table or backyard a grill with friends, make Monument your sip of choice.  Monument is made to celebrate, visit  www.cwsbahamas.com today for more details.

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Lady Kayla Crowned Goombay Punch Cup Sailing Champion of 2025/2026

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L–R: Joss Knowles, Kianno Hutchinson, Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager at Caribbean Bottling Company and Dallas Knowles receiving a donation on behalf of the Exuma Sailing Club at the Long Island Regatta awards ceremony.

NASSAU, Bahamas —– Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to crown Lady Kayla of Exuma as this year’s annual Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup winner.

CBC created the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup to further the advancement of sailing and Bahamian culture through monetary and social support. The competition judges the skipper’s performance across three regattas, The Best of the Best, the National Family Island and Long Island Regattas.

The winning sloop led by Kianno Hutchinson and Joss Knowles showcased their skillmanship in the E-Class category across each round of competition. In addition to winning the trophy, the skippers were awarded a $5,000 donation, an $8,000 stipend to the junior sailing club of their island and a limited-edition Lady Kayla Bahamas Goombay Punch commemorative can, which will be released soon.

Jonathan Thronebury, Marketing Director of CBC shared the significance behind The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup.

“The Bahamas Goombay Punch is more than a beloved local brand; it’s a vibrant part of our cultural fabric. Just like sailing, our national sport, it carries a rich legacy that spans generations. Recognizing this shared history, we’re proud to support initiatives that celebrate and advance Bahamian culture,” he said.

Hutchinson and Knowles shared what this win meant for them.

“I felt super proud when I realized we won. I am grateful and thankful to God, for good coaches and Joss. It was really an honor winning the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup,” Hutchinson expressed.

“I am very honored to have been able to compete in the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup, I think it is a great concept and idea for a competition and really adds a new motive throughout the regattas. The whole championship was super competitive, and every single race was a fight. Alvington McKenzie was extremely competitive and had us until the Long Island regatta, which made it a very fun and tough competition. Very excited to have been the winner of a super close championship,” Knowles revealed.

Lady Kayla’s owner, Dallas Knowles, shared the team’s winning strategy.

“In sailing consistency is key and our guys in Lady Kayla are some of the best in the business at staying near the top.  In the end, that was enough to secure their first Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup win. We are so proud of Joss and Kianno for what they have done in Lady Kayla.  Thank you to Caribbean Bottling Company for such an amazing and forward-thinking initiative,” Knowles shared.

The Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup is proud to continue its impact on sailing and community building through clean and fair competition.

For more updates on the Bahamas Goombay Punch Cup and Caribbean Bottling Company visit the website www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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Caribbean Bottling Supports the 27th Basketball Smiles Week  

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NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers of Coca-Cola and Dasani products, is proud to once again support Basketball Smiles for their 27th year.

Upholding its corporate pillar of community outreach, CBC proudly donated $2,000, over 75 cases of Dasani, Powerade and Sprite, reusable Powerade water bottles and numerous marketing materials.

The annual sporting summer camp offers free basketball and life skills training to Junior and High School students.

Basketball Smiles’ mission of developing leadership qualities while fostering children’s academic achievement and self-esteem aligns perfectly with CBC’s commitment to supporting and empowering youth.

Jazmin Darling, Assistant Marketing Manager for Caribbean Bottling Company shared why the company continues to support this program each year.

“At CBC, we believe investing in our youth is one of the greatest ways to strengthen our communities. We’re proud to support Basketball Smiles each year because it goes beyond the game. This program champions healthy lifestyles, positive values and brighter futures. It’s a privilege to play a role in helping these young athletes reach their full potential each year,” she shared.

Sam Nicholls, Basketball Smiles Camp President and Founder expressed.

“Caribbean Bottling Company is an incredible partner. We are truly grateful for their generous support, which will go a long way in making a positive impact on the lives of our campers,” Nicholls expressed.

CBC is always ready to lend its support toward initiatives and programs that uplift young Bahamians. The impact Basketball Smiles makes on the community is undeniable and is why CBC remains a historic sponsor.

For more information on sponsorship, events and new products, visit www.cbcbahamas.com today.

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